Page 44 of Refuge for Cherilyn

“Doing it yourself is fine if you’re alone. But if you’re with somebody, the only times you should have to do that is if you just want to, or if you’re doing it for the person you’re with.”

“For the person I’m with?”

“Yeah. Like you do it in front of me and I do it in front of you.”

She side-eyed him. “People do that?”

“Oh, yeah. Sure. It can be a real turn-on.”

“I’m not sure I could ever do that in front of you.”

“Why not? There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. As for doing it by yourself, that’s not a problem. The more you masturbate, the better sex will be for you. The only time it’s a problem is if you’re doing itinstead ofhaving sex with your partner. Then it’s a problem, and the question becomes why you have to. Because you shouldn’t have to.”

“That makes sense.” She seemed to be considering what he was saying. Then she grinned. “But you keep doing what you did last night, I won’t need to do that. Ever. I just want more.”

Hallelujah! I guess I did something right for a change!He was trying to hide his excitement, but on the inside, he was grinning like a loon. The woman had enjoyed it and wanted more. That was pretty damn spectacular. “Oh, you’re gonna get more if I have anything to say about it. But for right now I guess we’d better get up, huh?”

“Yeah. Lara has that hearing test. Did you say Maisey’s taking us?”

“Yeah. Said she’d be here about ten.”

“Good. So I guess we’d better get moving.” She stood from the bed and bent down to pick up her gown, so Shaw reached out and popped her ass. She spun and gaped at him, but it was obvious she was amused. “What was that for?”

He shrugged. “Later?”

The gown fell down around her softness and she smiled. “Yep. Later. Now, coffee and girls.”

“Yes, ma’am. Coming right up.” He grabbed his boxer briefs, dragged them on, and then pulled the lounge pants over them. By the time he got to the kitchen, she was already tinkering with the coffee maker.

Maya was fine, but Lara was cranky. It took Cherilyn two hours to get her ready to go, and even then she tried to get her shoes off, messed up her own hair, and was generally being difficult. He could see the strain on Cherilyn’s face and hear her frustration, but he didn’t know how to make it better.

By nine thirty, everyone was ready and dressed for the day, including Shaw. He had another afternoon shift to cover. He stepped up to Cherilyn and said, “Here,” his arm outstretched.

“What?”

He opened his fist and dropped a key into her open palm. “So you can get back in. I’ll be at work.”

“You sure you want to give me a key to your house?”

“Yep. For as long as you’re here, it’s your house too. And maybe even after that, if you still want to be here.”

She leaned out to kiss him but before their lips could touch, there was a knock at the door. Shaw peered out the peephole, then threw the door open. “Hey, girl! Come on in!”

Maisey stepped into the house with a smile. “Thanks! How’s everybody?”

“I think we’re all?”

“MAISEY!” Lara screamed and headed straight for the little brunette, who was almost knocked off her feet by the excited ten-year-old.

“Hey, sweetie! We’re going on an adventure today! And when we’re done, we’ll get some lunch. Does that sound like fun?”

“LUNCH, MOM! WID MAISEY!”

“Yes, baby. Lunch with Maisey. That’s so kind of you, Mrs.Friedman.”

“Maisey. It’s just Maisey. And think nothing of it. It’ll be a good time and a chance for you three to safely be out of the house. Girls, get ready to go, please,” the social worker told the two children, and they headed down the hallway.

Shaw glanced at her. “Safely?”

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